Oxford University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, recently announced that it is launching a program to research the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease and pain.
Oxford University has partnered with Kingsley Capital Partners, a London-based private equity and venture capital firm, to launch the program. Kingsley is funding an initial investment of up to ÂŁ10 million, approximately $12.3 million, through its recently launched portfolio company Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies.
“Cannabinoid research has started to produce exciting biological discoveries and this research programme is a timely opportunity to increase our understanding of the role of cannabinoids in health and disease,” said Ahmed Ahmed, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Oxford University.
“Medical cannabis and cannabinoid medicine is already helping patients with some of the most distressing conditions across the world. However, research into the specific pathways and mechanisms that create this benefit is limited and long overdue,” said Neil Mahapatra, Managing Partner of Kingsley. “Through OCT, we hope our strategic partnership with Oxford will support the development of innovative new therapies to help millions of people around the world. The partnership gives the UK a global leadership role in this fast-growing field.”
As a means of ensuring the cannabinoid conversation moves forward, Oxford and Kingsley will host the International Cannabinoid Biomedicine Conference in the fourth quarter of 2017.
